Was the river cruise portion of the trip worth the money, energy, and time? This versus an ocean cruise? I would say, with mixed emotions. An ocean cruise is my preference. I did not know this until I experienced a river cruise. There are reservations about saying yes. This was my first European river cruise, and based on the videos I saw and articles I had read, I had grand expectations.
In contrast, I have many days at sea as a gold-level cruiser with another ship line. I had no reference point when it came to river cruising. Please do not buy into the hype the marketing people put out there. Take one and decide for yourself. This post is to share my honest comments about my experience on a European river trip.
Is a River Cruise For You?
I want to share my experience with Viking. They claim to be the best at what they do, which may be true in some aspects. However, I am not entirely convinced about their river cruise. As a couple, my wife Janet and I have spent much time at sea as ocean cruisers, making a good reference point. I’m not sure if river cruising is for us, despite knowing that there are many differences. The hype created by Viking’s marketing folks did not seem to live up to our expectations.
Comparing Apples and Oranges
It is hard to compare two things that have some similarities. Let’s take the above subheading. Oranges and Apples are different, but they are both fruits. In comparison, they are generally sold in the same store area but very different. You might love apples.
On the other hand, you may not be able to eat oranges or dislike them. I think you see my point. It comes down to personal choice. The operative word is personal. It comes down to likes and dislikes.
Food Choices
Food is very much this way. Cruisers have likes and dislikes. On a voyage, you expect a high-level dining experience. Whether on an ocean or river cruise, there are expectations. What you eat and when you eat it can be very important.
Deal Breakers
This may be a deal breaker for you. You are out of luck if you are hungry at midnight on a river cruise. It will not be until morning that you get something to eat. Ocean travel is very different from pizza or a sandwich at midnight. No problem. Ship staff is there for you. At midnight, after ten p.m., the river cruise is like a ghost ship. Everyone is in their cabins.
Menu
The river cruise prides itself on serving regional cuisine. What happens in Rome if you do not want what the limited menu offers that evening? Yes, there is a fallback standard fair offered every meal. What happens if you do not like that option? I’m not being picky, but it is only option A or B.
I like having more choices. I was on a ship that offered dining at a Chinese-Mexican restaurant. It sounds like an odd combination, but it was great. You can get either Chinese or Mexican food or have a little of both.
Meal Times
I prefer any-time dining. However, you are not stuck with the same people you were put with for the entire cruise. If you do not show up for a meal, you are not questioned about where you were and what you had to eat. I don’t want to sound like I am on a rant. I prefer more freedom to choose. Eating from the buffet offers a great variety. This is not true of a river trip.
People Contact
The people’s contact is quite different with fewer passengers. This is good and bad. It is much harder to be anonymous. If you prefer anonymity, a river cruise may not be for you. This comment needs some explanation. Meeting fellow passengers with many personal questions seemed to be a regular occurrence. For us, this happens infrequently on ocean voyages. The sheer volume of people on a large ship dictates less personal contact. This may or may not be your preference, like visiting a big city. You may not see the person you shared your life story with for the rest of your trip. There are thousands, not hundreds, of cruisers on our ocean liner.
See the link for more about Viking river trips below
http://www.vikingrivercruises.com
Typical Questions Asked
Typical questions you will be asked. Consider the mean age of the average river cruiser, which is seventy years. Do you have children? What do they do? Are they Married? Where do they live? Are you retired? Is this your first Viking tour? What are you retired from? Where do you live? How long have you lived there? I am not a private person and do not mind sharing this information. I am sorry; this gets tiresome after the tenth time.
Be Prepared
Perhaps preparing a personal bio in advance would save a lot of time asking many questions. With ocean cruises, you have more room to wander on a giant ship. There are more dining options also. The dining options and mealtimes are very restricted on the river trip. My wife and I want more freedom to choose when and what to eat. Ocean Cruises has signature restaurants with flexible dining times. If you are on a river cruise excursion during lunch and return in the midafternoon, sorry, there will be no meal for you. On an ocean cruise, you have many more options. I enjoy having more space for contemplative thought. Let us call it alone time.
You May Prefer Ocean Cruising
There are more organized things to do while underway on ocean cruises. That includes going to a casino if you like to do that. I have experienced both types of trips. I lean toward ocean cruising as my preference. Having more options is better—the simple freedom to choose. I am biased. I realize river trips cater to the cerebral crowd. Going to lectures on destinations is not an enjoyable time for me. I must sound like a Neanderthal.
Different Strokes
Let us do it now and talk about the latter kind of guy. I realize I have been brutally honest. Finishing this post, a quote from a Shakespeare play, Hamlet, comes to mind.” To thine own self be true.” I call them as I see them.
For more information on budget cruising, see the post below.
https://floridacruiseextension.com/love-these-insane-savings-cruise-trips-on-a-budget/
See the post below about ocean cruising.
